A small boat floats on a stream surrounding a colorful forest in Taebaek, Gangwon Province, Thursday. / Yonhap

Mountains are being covered with colorful trees as the temperature drops. Autumn leaves are already in full bloom at mountains near the inter-Korean border, creating scenic and awe-inspiring views. And this wave of color will move south to reach its peak in the middle of this month.

The Korea Times has selected photos capturing these early arriving colorful leaves in Gangwon Province to give you a moment of mental relaxation with the beauty of nature.

The upper part of Mount. Deogyu in Muju, North Jeolla Province, turns red in this photo taken on Sept. 29. / Yonhap

Hikers walk a trail at Mt. Bukhan National Park in Seoul on Oct. 1. / Yonhap

Fallen leaves are soaked in the rain in downtown Seoul on Oct. 2. / Yonhap